Muğla launches project to reduce newborn calf mortality to 1%

The Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry has launched the ‘Newborn Calf Care Project’ to increase livestock productivity and minimize calf mortality rates across 13 districts. Supported by the Ministry and the Muğla Governor's Office, the initiative aims to reduce calf losses from the current 10% in the region to an initial target of below 5%, with a final goal of 1%.

To achieve this, 29 specialized teams will provide on-site support within the first 24 hours of birth. Interventions include umbilical cord disinfection, serum applications to boost immunity, and using colostrometers to measure milk quality. The project also includes practical training for producers on proper colostrum use.

Economically, the project seeks to protect approximately 3,000 calves during the first implementation period between August 31 and September 11, 2026. Officials noted that losing a single calf costs an enterprise roughly 50,000 TL, while improper care can lead to lifetime milk production losses totaling up to 71,000 TL per animal.